Minecraft Server Types
Choosing the right Minecraft server type can make all the difference in how your world runs and what kind of experience you create for players. Each server type offers unique features tailored to different playstyles, modding capabilities, and performance needs. Whether you're aiming for a pure vanilla experience or a heavily modded adventure, understanding the key options helps you pick the perfect fit.
There are multiple server types out there, and each one has its own purpose. Some servers rely on performance, while others focus on custom content, mods, or plugins. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular Minecraft server types you’ll come across.
At SparkedHost, we recommend the following server types for each use case:
This is the default server version of Minecraft. It offers no server-sided modifications, no extra features, just the classic Java Edition experience like you enjoy in singleplayer. It's best for players who want to enjoy Minecraft features as they were originally designed, with simple game modes like creative mode or adventure mode. But keep in mind, you won’t be able to run plugins or use mod packs on this.
Paper is a further optimized version of Spigot. It enhances server performance and provides more configuration options, making it ideal for larger servers or those requiring high efficiency. Paper also maintains compatibility with Spigot plugins, allowing for a wide range of customization without sacrificing performance, such as changing and sending chat messages (custom formatting).
The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft is designed to run on various platforms like consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch), mobile devices, and Windows 10/11 PCs. Servers running Bedrock allow players from these different devices to play together, offering cross-platform compatibility. However, modding capabilities are more limited compared to the Java Edition.
Spigot is a modified version of the Minecraft server software that offers better performance (compared to vanilla) and additional features compared to the standard server. It's designed to support plugins, that can introduce new functionalities to your server, such as mini-games or administrative tools.
A modified server software that allows the use of plugins to extend server capabilities. While it offers customization options, it may have slower updates and less optimization compared to other server types.
Forge is a server type specifically developed to support mods, which are modifications that add new content or alter gameplay mechanics. With Forge, you can introduce new items, creatures, and features to your Minecraft world. It's widely used for creating custom modded experiences, but doesn't support plugins like Spigot or Paper.
👉 Keep in mind: Forge servers can only run Forge mods.
NeoForge is a fork of the original Forge project and another server type to support mods only. It aims to provide better modding capabilities and enhanced performance.
👉 Just like Forge, NeoForge can only run NeoForge-compatible mods.
Fabric is a lightweight software and modded server type for Minecraft that allows for quick and easy game modification. It's known for its fast updates and minimal impact on game performance. Fabric supports a wide array of mods and is often chosen for projects that require up-to-date modding capabilities.
👉 Important: Fabric servers can only run Fabric mods
There are also hybrid server types like Arclight, Mohist, Magma, and others that aim to combine Forge (or NeoForge/Fabric) mod support with plugin support.
These servers are ideal if you want the flexibility of both mods and plugins.
⚠️ However, hybrid versions can sometimes be unstable or may lag. Plugin and mod compatibility may not always be perfect, so always test carefully before trying these softwares.
Proxy server types act as a bridge between players and your Minecraft servers, allowing players to connect multiple servers under one IP. They are for networks that include different game modes like survival, creative mode, and minigames.
Velocity is the best choice today - it’s fast, secure, and actively updated by the PaperMC team for smooth running.
BungeeCord is a classic option for linking servers together
While Waterfall is a performance-focused fork of BungeeCord. However, since Waterfall has reached the end of its updates, Velocity is now the recommended option for server networks.
Internal Server Error
This generic error can result from various issues, such as plugin conflicts or corrupted files. Reviewing server logs can help identify the cause.
Bad Login
Occurs when the authenticated server cannot verify the player's credentials, often due to session issues. Generally an issue on minecraft's end, try to join the server after some time.
Outdated Server / Outdated Client
Happens when there's a version mismatch between the server and the client's request. Ensuring both are updated to compatible versions can resolve this.
Lost Connection
The most common reason for this error is an incorrect IP address or a poor network connection. Please reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help you check
Illegal Characters in Chat Messages
Some servers may disconnect players if unsupported characters are used in chat messages. To avoid this, it's a good idea to check if your server settings and chat plugins support the characters you're using
Low Illegal Position
Occurs when a player is detected in an invalid location, possibly due to glitches or teleportation errors. Relogging or having an administrator/OP teleport the player can resolve this.
Invalid Entity
Happens when the server encounters an unrecognized or corrupted entity. Removing the problematic entity using server commands can help.
Received String Length Longer
This error indicates that a client message exceeded the maximum character limit allowed by the server. This usually happens on servers with online mode disabled when a user tries to join with a very long username. If the issue doesn't get resolved, feel free to contact us
IP Banned
Means the (Player's) client's IP has been banned from the server. The server admin will need to unban the player. Otherwise, the player remains banned.
Server Closed
Indicates that the server has been intentionally shut down or crashed unexpectedly due to the server exceeding resource limits. Restarting the server and checking logs for issues is recommended.
Player Disconnected
A generic message indicating that a player has left the server, either voluntarily or due to connection issues.
Internal Exception
An error that occurs due to unexpected conditions within the server or client. Reviewing error logs can help otherwise contact us and we can take a look at the logs!
Feel free to reach out to us via live chat or by creating a ticket!
By: Niranjan B.
Which Minecraft server type should I choose?
There are multiple server types out there, and each one has its own purpose. Some servers rely on performance, while others focus on custom content, mods, or plugins. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular Minecraft server types you’ll come across.
At SparkedHost, we recommend the following server types for each use case:
1. Vanilla
This is the default server version of Minecraft. It offers no server-sided modifications, no extra features, just the classic Java Edition experience like you enjoy in singleplayer. It's best for players who want to enjoy Minecraft features as they were originally designed, with simple game modes like creative mode or adventure mode. But keep in mind, you won’t be able to run plugins or use mod packs on this.
2. PaperMC
Paper is a further optimized version of Spigot. It enhances server performance and provides more configuration options, making it ideal for larger servers or those requiring high efficiency. Paper also maintains compatibility with Spigot plugins, allowing for a wide range of customization without sacrificing performance, such as changing and sending chat messages (custom formatting).
3. Bedrock
The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft is designed to run on various platforms like consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch), mobile devices, and Windows 10/11 PCs. Servers running Bedrock allow players from these different devices to play together, offering cross-platform compatibility. However, modding capabilities are more limited compared to the Java Edition.
4. Spigot
Spigot is a modified version of the Minecraft server software that offers better performance (compared to vanilla) and additional features compared to the standard server. It's designed to support plugins, that can introduce new functionalities to your server, such as mini-games or administrative tools.
5. CraftBukkit
A modified server software that allows the use of plugins to extend server capabilities. While it offers customization options, it may have slower updates and less optimization compared to other server types.
6. Forge
Forge is a server type specifically developed to support mods, which are modifications that add new content or alter gameplay mechanics. With Forge, you can introduce new items, creatures, and features to your Minecraft world. It's widely used for creating custom modded experiences, but doesn't support plugins like Spigot or Paper.
👉 Keep in mind: Forge servers can only run Forge mods.
7. NeoForge
NeoForge is a fork of the original Forge project and another server type to support mods only. It aims to provide better modding capabilities and enhanced performance.
👉 Just like Forge, NeoForge can only run NeoForge-compatible mods.
8. Fabric
Fabric is a lightweight software and modded server type for Minecraft that allows for quick and easy game modification. It's known for its fast updates and minimal impact on game performance. Fabric supports a wide array of mods and is often chosen for projects that require up-to-date modding capabilities.
👉 Important: Fabric servers can only run Fabric mods
9. Hybrid Versions (Arclight, Mohist, etc.)
There are also hybrid server types like Arclight, Mohist, Magma, and others that aim to combine Forge (or NeoForge/Fabric) mod support with plugin support.
These servers are ideal if you want the flexibility of both mods and plugins.
⚠️ However, hybrid versions can sometimes be unstable or may lag. Plugin and mod compatibility may not always be perfect, so always test carefully before trying these softwares.
10. Proxy Server Types
Proxy server types act as a bridge between players and your Minecraft servers, allowing players to connect multiple servers under one IP. They are for networks that include different game modes like survival, creative mode, and minigames.
Velocity is the best choice today - it’s fast, secure, and actively updated by the PaperMC team for smooth running.
BungeeCord is a classic option for linking servers together
While Waterfall is a performance-focused fork of BungeeCord. However, since Waterfall has reached the end of its updates, Velocity is now the recommended option for server networks.
Common Server Errors and Troubleshooting
Internal Server Error
This generic error can result from various issues, such as plugin conflicts or corrupted files. Reviewing server logs can help identify the cause.
Bad Login
Occurs when the authenticated server cannot verify the player's credentials, often due to session issues. Generally an issue on minecraft's end, try to join the server after some time.
Outdated Server / Outdated Client
Happens when there's a version mismatch between the server and the client's request. Ensuring both are updated to compatible versions can resolve this.
Lost Connection
The most common reason for this error is an incorrect IP address or a poor network connection. Please reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help you check
Illegal Characters in Chat Messages
Some servers may disconnect players if unsupported characters are used in chat messages. To avoid this, it's a good idea to check if your server settings and chat plugins support the characters you're using
Low Illegal Position
Occurs when a player is detected in an invalid location, possibly due to glitches or teleportation errors. Relogging or having an administrator/OP teleport the player can resolve this.
Invalid Entity
Happens when the server encounters an unrecognized or corrupted entity. Removing the problematic entity using server commands can help.
Received String Length Longer
This error indicates that a client message exceeded the maximum character limit allowed by the server. This usually happens on servers with online mode disabled when a user tries to join with a very long username. If the issue doesn't get resolved, feel free to contact us
IP Banned
Means the (Player's) client's IP has been banned from the server. The server admin will need to unban the player. Otherwise, the player remains banned.
Server Closed
Indicates that the server has been intentionally shut down or crashed unexpectedly due to the server exceeding resource limits. Restarting the server and checking logs for issues is recommended.
Player Disconnected
A generic message indicating that a player has left the server, either voluntarily or due to connection issues.
Internal Exception
An error that occurs due to unexpected conditions within the server or client. Reviewing error logs can help otherwise contact us and we can take a look at the logs!
Still have some questions about Minecraft server types?
Feel free to reach out to us via live chat or by creating a ticket!
By: Niranjan B.
Updated on: 10/04/2025
Thank you!